New library borrowing privileges announced

Assemblymember Susan John announced that the New York State Library is expanding free borrowing privileges to all New York residents 18 and older. Residents now can borrow on-site from the State Library's collection of more than 20 million items and will have direct remote access to NOVEL, New York's first statewide virtual library, from home, office or school. This extended borrowing and on-line access to NOVEL is a six-month pilot project to gauge the public's interest in accessing library materials.

Residents can apply for a library card and borrow research materials when they visit the State Library or access NOVEL directly from home. Currently, New Yorkers can also access NOVEL via their local library system. Individuals may apply for a library card by requesting an application via e-mail to circ@mail.nysed.gov, or by mail to New York State Library, Circulation, CEC, 7th floor, Albany, NY 12230.